SARS

Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a viral respiratory illness caused by a coronavirus, called SARS-associated coronavirus. Initial symptoms are flu-like and may include fever, myalgia, lethargy symptoms, cough, sore throat, and other nonspecific symptoms. The only symptom common to all patients appears to be a fever above 38 °C (100 °F). SARS may eventually lead to shortness of breath and/or pneumonia, either direct viral pneumonia or secondary bacterial pneumonia.

HOW IS SARS DIAGNOSED?

Doctor may hear abnormal lung sounds while listening to your chest with a stethoscope. In most people with SARS, a chest x-ray or chest CT show pneumonia, which is typical with SARS.Tests used to diagnose SARS might include:
Arterial blood tests
Blood clotting tests
Blood chemistry tests
Chest x-ray or chest CT scan
Complete blood count (CBC)

HOW IS SARS TREATED?

People suspected of having SARS should be kept isolated in the hospital.
Treatment may include:
Antibiotics to treat bacteria that cause pneumonia
Antiviral medicines (although how well they work for SARS is unknown)
High doses of steroids to reduce swelling in the lungs (it is not known how well they work)
Oxygen, breathing support (mechanical ventilation), or chest therapy
In some serious cases, the liquid part of blood from people who have already recovered from SARS has been given as a treatment.

DID YOU KNOW?

Hygiene is suggested for people who live in risk areas. Washing hands before eating and avoiding sexual contact with infected people can help to minimise the risks of getting this in the first place.